[http://sourceforge.net/p/ufoai/bugs/411 Item 411] imported from sourceforge.net tracker on 2013-01-28 18:21:29

AI of the aliens in RC5 is quite different from RC4. In
RC5 in all maps I have tested aliens are grouping in
one location. It is common, that one soldier is seeing
5 aliens at once. I think this is issue changes the
tactics and preventing from having fun chasing with
aliens in a large map. And it is really really
difficult in begining, when aliens have much stronger
weapons than humans.
===== Comments Ported from Sourceforge =====

====== nobody (2006-10-27 11:45:40) ======

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Well I can say that most of the time I've killed them on
reaction time,
some maps took ver very long time, and I'd lost my man :(.

They play like a human in a multiplayer game.

====== schnookems (2006-10-28 02:55:00) ======

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user_id=1632009

In RC5, I have encounted this only once, in the abandoned
mine in Wellington, NZ (2nd/3rd mission I think). Most of
the aliens grouped in a corner in the bottom shaft and
stayed there in 2x3 grid. After dropping a grenade, at
least 1 alien lost morale and ran up the shaft, only to
return to the group once he had pulled himself together.

This is the only mission out of about 7 thus far this has
happened.
====== carnix (2006-11-03 16:36:06) ======

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user_id=1505488

This didn't happen for me in RC5. I did, however, find it
annoying that my soldiers in some missions were totally
spread out when the mission began
====== cassiterite (2006-11-05 16:24:05) ======

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user_id=1171370

Thanks for the bug report, although from my own experiences,
I believe were unlucky to see this behavior.

As others have pointed out certain mission geometries (like
the mine) can cause a grouping of aliens (they kind of get
stuck I suppose and their AI isn't that great).

It is possible some AI changes have lead to a preference for
aliens to group together for a tactical advantage, although
I'm not sure of this.

I have observed that aliens with low morale will run away or
try to hide, especially if they are alone or isolated. This
can often lead to chases and some map exploration.

I'm closing this bug as "Works for me" since I think the new
alien AI isn't too bad (aliens are indeed smarter and
deadlier than in RC4 for example). Alien AI improvements
will no doubt continue in future revisions so this behavior
(if it is real) could well change again, and without some
elaborate tests cases it is going to be hard to measure,
although we can certainly keep an eye on our own subjective
measures of it. Also new/bigger maps and starting alien
positions will also affect this, so it can be combated in a
variety of ways if it starts becoming a major issue.


PS: In response to your closing sentance, space-faring
aliens are likely to have more advanced technologies
compared to humans, so they naturally will start with
somewhat superior weapons and armourments.